Ban leaves Myanmar 'disappointed'

YANGON, Myanmar, July 6 (UPI) -- A "deeply disappointed" U.N. secretary-general left Myanmar saying the military rulers had "lost a unique opportunity" to show they were serious about democracy and elections in 2010.

Before departing the country, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's carefully worded speech in Yangon leveled strong criticism toward the government. In particular, he singled out its head, Gen. Than Shwe, 76, who had refused to allow a meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi, the jailed leader of the illegal National League for Democracy.

Shwe allowed meetings with the leaders of registered, that is allowed by the junta, political parties and several major ethnic groups during the visit. But Shwe said a meeting with Suu Kyi was impossible because she, along with U.S. citizen John Yettaw, 53, is on trial. Suu Kyi is accused of violating her house arrest when Yettaw swam across a lake to her property in May.

But in a possible attempt to embarrass the military over its refusal of a meeting, Ban noted in his opening remarks to the 500 diplomats and government officials the humanitarian efforts of the international community and the United Nations to work with last year's Cyclone Nargis victims.

More than 130,000 people died and damage was estimated at $10 billion when the massive storm -- the same strength as Hurricane Katrina -- swept through the Irrawaddy Delta in May 2008. Winds of 120 mph lashed the coast and a 12-foot tidal surged engulfed hundreds of villages.

Some countries, notably the United States, voiced concern with how Myanmar's leaders were slow to accept international aid. But in his speech Ban said there was "unprecedented cooperation" between Myanmar, the United Nations, donor countries and other groups.

But Ban also invoked the name of Myanmar's own famous son, U Thant, U.N. secretary-general from 1961-71, who said people are a nation's most precious assets while governments, systems and ideologies come and go.

"National reconciliation cannot be complete without the free and active participation of all who seek to contribute," he said. "The country must embark on a process of genuine dialogue that includes all concerned parties, all ethnic groups and all minorities.

"The military, all political parties, ethnic minority groups, civil society and indeed every son and daughter of Myanmar has a role to play in this country's transition."

Specifically, he said Suu Kyi "must be allowed to participate in the political process without further delay. Indeed, all the citizens of Myanmar must be given the opportunity to contribute fully to the future of this country."

Ban also urged Myanmar to open more to outside trade and investment to raise the country's living standard, currently one of the lowest in Asia. The government must put more effort into combating human immunodeficiency virus, the cause of AIDS, infection, the opium trade and human trafficking, he said.

The military has ruled Myanmar, formerly Burma, since a coup in 1962. Shwe assumed office as chairman of the State Peace and Development Council in April 1992.

Yangon, the renamed Rangoon, was the capital until the military moved the seat of government to Nay Pyi Da in March 2006.